Sports Network

Englewood, CO - Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said on Monday that five defensive players have already been ruled out for next Sunday's game against the Jets.

Gone are starting safeties Brian Dawkins (knee) and Darcel McBath (ankle) and starting cornerback Andre' Goodman (thigh). Also out for the game are linebackers Robert Ayers (leg) and Wesley Woodyard (hamstring).

McDaniels did not state the severity of the injuries or how long any of the players will be out.

The head coach also said that the team will monitor the status of rookie wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who left Sunday's 31-17 loss to Baltimore with a head and neck injury following a kickoff return in the second quarter. It will be decided later in the week if he will be able to play against the Jets.